The Qatar World Cup 2022 is just about to begin but, for some teams, it might well end rather earlier than they hope as 32 of the best football nations on the planet battle for 16 knockout places.
Just getting there is a triumph for some teams and the likes of the hosts Qatar won’t seriously expect to go deep into the competition, but the majority will certainly hope to last longer than the group stages. The opening game is often a sighter, but by the time a country has played its second group match the picture is much clearer. The fast starters might already be through and a nation with back to back defeats may as well start packing their bags, but most teams will still have something to play for.
Often enough a big name goes out before the knockout phase begins. In 2018 the reigning champions Germany were sent packing when they were beaten 2-0 by South Korea. But hey, at least Joachim Low’s side were in the finals, Euro 2020 winners Italy won’t even be in Qatar, missing their second World Cup finals in succession.
So who should we look out for this time around? Which nations are in danger in the early stages of the competition? Well, here I’m taking a look at two fancied teams which might have a surprise and a couple of hopefuls I believe will fall short.
Big names which could go out early
Mexico
Ranked ninth in the world Mexico have been a fixture at World Cups since 1930, appearing on 17 occasions and also winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup 11 times. With Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez alongside experienced skipper Andres Guardado in the middle of the park, El Tri has a strong core and two excellent strikers in Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano. But I fear Mexico could be the highest ranked team to go out at the first hurdle.
El Tri have landed In Group C alongside Argentina and Poland with Saudi Arabia making up the four and, as Argentina are widely expected to top the group, it could be a shoot out between Mexico and Poland. Even though they are ranked 26th by FIFA, the Poles have some real star quality with Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski in midfield and, of course, the great Robert Lewandowski up front. While Lewi has been prolific throughout his domestic career with FC Bayern and now Barcelona, he has never really shone on the world stage and I suspect this could be his time.
Croatia
The pre-tournament World Cup 2022 betting odds make Croatia a decent bet to make the last eight and the 2018 World Cup finalists have some stellar players in their side, including Luka Modric. There is real star quality in Group F and Belgium should lead the way. But Canada could be really dangerous in their first finals tournament since 1986. The way they dispatched Jamaica 4-0 to qualify was a statement to anyone who thought Canada may be in Qatar just to make up the numbers. They have some fearless and brilliant young stars, such as Bayern’s Alphonso Davies, and Les Rouges will be everyone’s favourite underdogs.
Hopefuls who will find it tough
Wales
In their first World Cup finals in 64 years Wales will hope to stay in Qatar for more then two weeks and they should be good enough to beat Iran. Group B favourites England are without their two first choice wing backs as the Chelsea duo of Ben Chilwell and Reece James are sidelined, but the Three Lions are still hot favourites with a rich resource of talent to call on.
Wales have their talisman Gareth Bale to lead them, but USA have a number of potential match-winners in their ranks, with Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna the players to watch.
Cameroon
One of Africa’s best hopes, Cameroon will certainly entertain and they have some exciting strikers in their squad. Captain Vincent Aboubakar and Brentford’s 23 year old forward Brian Mbeumo will be a handful for any defence, while Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa has impressed in Serie A.
But the Indomitable Lions are in a really tough Group, alongside tournament favourites Brazil, and two European tough nuts in Serbia and Switzerland. Cameroon will light up the tournament, but only for so long.
There are just four days to go now folks, until the biggest show on earth begins and, here at SBOTOP, we’ll keep the World Cup 2022 updates coming thick and fast; but right now, the Mexico, Croatia, Wales and Cameroon fans will hope I’m wide of the mark!
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